Premium flagship: Mazda CX-90

This crossover is pretty special. Or maybe not even a little, because it is not only an exhibition of Mazda’s high technologies, but also an attempt by the manufacturer to look at a new segment of limousines.

And now, as you know, even a limousine should look like a crossover. So meet: CX-90, a Limo-cross from Mazda!

You have to see such a miracle, so we made a video version of our test drive. And for those who are more comfortable reading, below is the traditional version of the text.

We warn you right away: do not search for the meaning of the word “limo-cross” on Google – Google does not know about it yet! We thought so, and we have our reasons for it. We are getting close to them little by little. Meanwhile, a few words about the design.

On the outside, the CX-90 is a true monolith, exuding the power a limousine should radiate, and the reliability we’ve come to expect from Mazda. And it’s also a striking example of long-term design. After all, the sharper edges and corners there are, the faster the design usually ages. As for the CX-90’s size, it’s royal. Chrome stripes around the perimeter help highlight the fact that this is the biggest Mazda you’ve ever seen.

But don’t worry, the car retains a very important ownership feature. This can be seen in the CX-9 model, which was replaced by the CX-90. Especially: the driver hardly notices these large dimensions. That is, behind the wheel of a large Mazda is like a medium.

But there is a difference, and it is especially noticeable when you press the accelerator. Because the engine here is incredible!

At first glance, it is the same as the CX-60: a longitudinally located in-line turbocharged “six” with a volume of 3.3 liters. I talked in detail about this engine in the CX-60 test, so if you are interested in the technical details, you can check the links in the description. And now about the differences.

First, if the CX-60 offers a 2.5 engine as an alternative, then there is no such alternative here – only 3.3. Secondly, if in the CX-60 this 3.3 liter produces 284 horses, here it is 345. Wow! But the acceleration is the same as the CX-60, that is, 6.9 seconds to hundreds.

Everything becomes clear if you are interested in the curb weight of this miracle: it pulls 2.1 tons, that is, about 250 kilograms more than the CX-60. Well, okay, if this additional mass is not felt during acceleration, then what about braking?

It was also taken care of. Here the rear brake discs are slightly larger than the front. We have a diameter of 347 mm at the front and 350 mm at the rear. To be clear, the CX-60 has the same front discs, but the rear discs are 22 millimeters smaller in diameter. The CX-90 brakes confidently.

Well, it’s time to move to the salon. The front end here seems to be the same as that of the CX-60, at least we didn’t notice any significant differences. But they can be. And to check this, you need to look at the second row.

The seven-seat version pictured has a three-seat second row. That is, familiar. But the CX-90 can also offer a six-seat version, with an unusual second row for truly respectable people. You can see what it looks like in our video.

But just in case, let’s clarify: along with another interior color (honey, as Mazda calls it), the panel of the six-seat version will have a suede texture. And the steering wheel will not be one color, that is, black, but two colors – black and light.

But the main thing, of course, is the captain’s seats, where you can see a certain “limousine” quality of the CX-90. Although in some ways this Mazda is cooler than a limousine, because a limousine usually does not have a third row, but the CX-90 has one.

What can you say about him? First, the author didn’t have to fold three times to get here. Second, I don’t want to jump right into it. It is quite comfortable for a person of average height. There are even USB ports. And the speakers too. Well, let’s assume that the topic of the third column is covered, so let’s get back behind the wheel.

Everything seems familiar here. A personalization system that recognizes you and makes appropriate settings, a digital dashboard, an 8-speed automatic transmission with an electric motor instead of a torque converter – you’ve seen it all in the CX-60. As for the unheard of, I’m just happy with the fuel consumption.

Because the consumption is somewhere at the level of fuel 2.5. We got 10.5-11 liters over several days of testing. And this is too much, considering the behavior of the machine. Although if you use it at least half, then, of course, your appetite will be greater. But it is not necessary to do this, because it is amazing to ride below.

There is another reason for the unexpectedly low consumption: this hybrid is equipped with an advanced start-stop system, or Stop as Mazda calls it. First, the 48 volt voltage allows you to turn off the engine while driving and then start it immediately. Second, the Mazda seems to be the only car that gives the driver the opportunity to control the start-stop system. If you brake properly, as, in fact, you should be in hybrid, and when you stop, the engine may not turn off. And you, for example, know that red has been at this intersection for a long time. Then just hit the brakes a little more. And if the battery allows, the system works.

As for the suspension, it’s just soft so it doesn’t turn into jelly. I think the engineers have a good sense of the softening threshold beyond which control starts to suffer, and they didn’t go over it.

You can praise the driving characteristics of the Mazda CX-90 for a long time, because there is something for it. But it’s time to look at the price list, and at first it’s a bit surprising: it starts at 2.5 million for the seven-seat version. For Mazda, it seems too much, but for a limousine, even a Japanese one, it doesn’t seem too much.

And if Mazda has finally made a really cool crossover not only for the owners of medium-sized wallets, but also for the better fed, then why not? Moreover, for this 2.5 million there will be exactly what you need.

It is difficult to list all the pleasures, because, again, this is Mazda’s flagship, from which it does not hold back. This car has it all, from a digital instrument cluster and head-up display to the best trim and a whole range of innovative safety systems. Moreover, there is even an automatic mode for ventilation and heating of the front seats!

And if you collect all this and weigh it, you understand that for this class such a cost is absolutely normal and that, say, German brands are unlikely to make such a price offer.

By the way, there is an interesting nuance. And he, apparently, is also from the world of limousines. The Mazda CX-90 is offered in two trim levels: Premium-Line and Premium-Sport. Usually one should be the beginning, and the other should be the top. But here they are both at the top, because they differ only in the number of seats, the color of the interior and the texture of its individual elements.

Well, let’s draw conclusions. This is the longest Mazda you’ve ever seen. This is the most powerful Mazda you’ve ever seen. And, of course, this is the richest Mazda, because it has almost everything, including a ground clearance of 18-20 cm (depending on who you believe). What is missing? For example, massaging the seats, but whether it is necessary at all is a debatable issue. Personally, I usually get enough massage in other cars that have it for about three days.

And here’s to lasting design and lasting satisfaction. 345 horses, carrying about 345 hay, but eating about two hundred. Good suspension setting. Good noise. And everything else is great. Honestly, overall, there’s nothing to complain about. Unless this is the first Mazda in my memory that costs from 2.5 million. On the other hand, if it’s really worth it, why not?